Sandvik launches Osprey MAR 55 tool steel alloy
Sandvik AB, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, has introduced Osprey MAR 55, a versatile tool steel powder that aims to bridge the gap between maraging steels and tool steels. The new alloy is intended to provide manufacturers with both good weldability of carbon-free maraging steels and the performance of carbon-bearing steels. Osprey MAR 55 provides high mechanical properties and wear resistance already in the as-built condition.
Osprey MAR 55 is primarily designed for use in Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) Additive Manufacturing, without the need for plate preheating. This makes it ideal for tooling applications requiring >50 HRC hardness and wear resistance beyond 18-Ni class maraging steels. Its ultrahigh fracture toughness also suits defence and aerospace use.
Ingemar Bite, R&D manager at Seco, shared, “To me MAR 55 is the material with the most interest and attention today. It has now, after evaluations and extensive testing, been implemented in our production. We have used it both for prototyping and field testing, and products that are running today in our customers’ production.”
Faraz Deirmina, Principal Metallurgist at Powder Solutions, Sandvik stated, “Before MAR 55, customers had to choose between good weldability and performance. This new alloy bridges the gap between maraging steels and carbon bearing tool steels. It means that the alloy is easily weldable, with exceptional toughness. Also, it can be heat-treated without the need for prior costly solution annealing (austenitisation) or cryogenic treatments. At the same time its wear and fatigue resistance are similar to the carbide-strengthened tempered martensitic microstructures of medium carbon tool steels.”
The main characteristics of Osprey MAR 55 include:
- Excellent processability by Laser Beam Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB) and laser Directed Energy Deposition (DED), without the need for plate or platform preheating
- Optimised for excellent weldability similar to maraging steels, while showing improved wear and fatigue resistance similar to carbon bearing tool steels
- Higher thermal conductivity compared to maraging steels and martensitic stainless steels
- Exceptional hardness/toughness combination in as-built and heat-treated conditions, and exceptional toughness at cryogenic temperatures
In addition to its use within Additive Manufacturing, Osprey MAR 55 is suitable for Cold Spray, Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), Metal Injection Molding (MIM), Micro-MIM, sintered metal filters and foams. The patent-pending alloy is produced in a VIGA atomiser to ensure low oxygen and contamination levels.
www.metalpowder.sandvik
